2006 Daytona 500

{{Short description|First race of the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series}}

{{good article}}

{{Use American English|date=April 2019}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2019}}

{{Infobox Daytona 500

| Type = NASNEX

| Details ref ={{cite web|title=The Race: The Daytona 500|url=http://www.jayski.com/next/2006/2006daytona500.htm|publisher=Jayski's Silly Season Site|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315172111/http://www.jayski.com/next/2006/2006daytona500.htm|archive-date=March 15, 2006|access-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=2006 Daytona 500|url=http://www.racing-reference.info/race/2006_Daytona_500/W|publisher=Racing-Reference|access-date=November 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208104359/http://www.racing-reference.info/race/2006_Daytona_500/W|archive-date=December 8, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

| Year = 2006

| Race_No = 1

| Season_No = 36

| Image = 2006_Daytona_500_logo.jpg

| image-alt = Track layout of the Daytona International Speedway. The track has four corners with one back straightway which links the corners together.

| Caption = 2006 Daytona 500 logo

| Fulldate = {{Start date|2006|2|19}}

| Location = Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida

| Course_mi = 2.5

| Course_km = 4.0

| Distance_laps = 203

| Distance_mi = 507.5

| Distance_km = 816.742

| Scheduled_laps = 200

| Scheduled_mi = 500

| Scheduled_km = 804.672

| Weather = Temperatures up to {{convert|71.6|F|C}}; wind speeds up to {{convert|14|mph|km/h}}{{cite web |url=http://www.almanac.com/weather/history/FL/Daytona%20Beach/2006-02-19 |title=Weather Information for Daytona Beach, Florida |publisher=Old Farmer's Almanac |access-date=June 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208112536/http://www.almanac.com/weather/history/FL/Daytona%20Beach/2006-02-19 |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}

| Avg = {{convert|142.734|mi/h}}

| Pole_Driver = Jeff Burton

| Pole_Team = Richard Childress Racing

| Pole_Time = 47.581

| Duel1 = Elliott Sadler

| One_Team = Robert Yates Racing

| Duel2 = Jeff Gordon

| Two_Team = Hendrick Motorsports

| Most_Driver = Dale Earnhardt Jr.

| Most_Team = Dale Earnhardt, Inc.

| Most_laps = 32

| Car = 48

| First_Driver = Jimmie Johnson

| First_Team = Hendrick Motorsports

| Network = NBC

| Announcers = Bill Weber, Benny Parsons, Wally Dallenbach Jr.

| Ratings = {{Plainlist|

  • 11.3/23{{cite web |last1=Gough |first1=Paul |title=Daytona revs Fox, but ABC takes Sun. |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/daytona-revs-fox-but-abc-130473/ |website=Hollywood Reporter |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=4 February 2025 |archive-date= |date=February 20, 2007}}
  • (19.355 million viewers){{cite web|title=NASCAR makes moves to win new fans as Daytona 500 arrives|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/02/13/nascar-daytona-500-nascar-dale-earnhardt-rusty-wallace-jimmie-johnson-bubba-wallace-kyle-larson/|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|access-date=February 4, 2025|last=Thompson|first=Edger|date=February 14, 2024}}}}

}}

The 2006 Daytona 500 was the first stock car race of the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. The 48th Daytona 500 was held on February 19, 2006, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, before 200,000 spectators. Hendrick Motorsports' Jimmie Johnson, won the 203-lap race after starting ninth. Chip Ganassi Racing's Casey Mears and Penske Racing South's Ryan Newman finished second and third, respectively.

Jeff Burton claimed his third career pole position with the quickest qualifying lap, and led the first 18 laps until the first round of pit stops. Tony Stewart led the next 20 laps from the 28th lap. Matt Kenseth led from laps 58 to 80 until Dale Earnhardt Jr. took it on the 86th. Earnhardt led seven times for a total of 32 laps, more than any other driver. Before the last round of pit stops, Johnson took the lead from teammate Brian Vickers on lap 187. After Greg Biffle lost control of his car on the final lap, he led Newman and Mears to win under caution. During the race, there were 11 cautions and a race-record 32 lead changes by 18 different drivers.

Johnson won his first Daytona 500, his first at either Talladega Superspeedway or Daytona International Speedway, and the 19th of his career. The victory occurred after Johnson's crew chief Chad Knaus was suspended for illegal car modifications, for which he was fined $25,000 and suspended until March 22. Johnson won the first of five races of the 2006 season, en route to his first of seven NASCAR Cup Series championships at the season's finish.

Johnson led the Drivers' Championship with 190 points after the season's first race, followed by Mears and Newman with 170 points each. Elliott Sadler and Stewart were fourth and fifth with 165 and 160 points, respectively. Chevrolet led the Manufacturers' Championship with nine points, followed by Dodge with six points and Ford with four points. The race attracted 19.355 million television viewers, the most watched NASCAR race in terms of average viewership.

Background

{{further|2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series#Teams and drivers}}

File:Daytona International Speedway on the day of the Daytona 500.JPG

The 48th Daytona 500 was the first of 36 scheduled stock car races of the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series,{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-feb-10-sp-nascar10-story.html|title=All Eyes on the Daytona 500|last=Peltz|first=Jim|date=February 10, 2006|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402204314/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-feb-10-sp-nascar10-story.html|archive-date=April 2, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} and was held on February 19, 2006, in Daytona Beach, Florida, at Daytona International Speedway, a superspeedway that holds NASCAR races.{{cite web|url=http://www.nascar.com/races/tracks/|title=NASCAR Race Tracks|publisher=NASCAR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101145548/http://www.nascar.com/races/tracks/|archive-date=January 1, 2013|access-date=December 20, 2011}} Its standard track is a four-turn, 2.5-mile (4.0 km) superspeedway. Daytona's turns are banked at 31 degrees, and the front stretch—the location of the finish line—is banked at 18 degrees.{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/travel/news/story?id=2346804|title=Daytona International Speedway|date=June 27, 2011|publisher=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120202142/http://espn.go.com/espn/thelife/news/story?id=2346804|archive-date=January 20, 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=June 25, 2015}}

NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., who built the Daytona International Speedway, conceived the Daytona 500.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tfTXAQAAQBAJ&q=Bill+France+Sr.+built+Daytona+International+Speedway+Daytona+500&pg=PA328|title=American Sports: A History of Icons, Idols and Ideas|last=R. Nelson|first=Murry|date=May 23, 2013|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-39753-0|location=Santa Barbara, California|pages=328–330|access-date=June 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626131804/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=tfTXAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA328&lpg=PA328&dq=Bill+France+Sr.+built+Daytona+International+Speedway+Daytona+500&source=bl&ots=M78hv00TU7&sig=8aIprlCZ77goRvWR7jdykDitkyc&hl=en&sa=X&ei=vg6LVcvcI6uv7Aaf2oKoDg&ved=0CDoQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Bill%20France%20Sr.%20built%20Daytona%20International%20Speedway%20Daytona%20500&f=false|archive-date=June 26, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} The race was first held in 1959, succeeding shorter races held on beaches around Daytona Beach.{{cite web|url=https://www.ticketcity.com/daytona-500-tickets/daytona-500-history.html|title=Daytona 500 History|publisher=TicketCity|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509221046/http://www.ticketcity.com/daytona-500-tickets/daytona-500-history.html|archive-date=May 9, 2012|access-date=June 24, 2015}} It has opened the NASCAR season since 1982,{{cite web|url=http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/23/everything-youve-ever-wanted-to-know-about-the-daytona-500-well-almost/|title=Everything you've ever wanted to know about the Daytona 500 (well, almost)|last=Bonkowski|first=Jerry|date=February 23, 2014|publisher=NBC Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306125838/http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/23/everything-youve-ever-wanted-to-know-about-the-daytona-500-well-almost/|archive-date=March 6, 2014|access-date=June 24, 2015}} and from 1988, was one of four events that require cars to run restrictor plates.{{cite web|url=http://www.jayski.com/stats/restrictor.htm|title=Restrictor Plate History Chart|publisher=Jayski Silly Season Site|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505165343/http://www.jayski.com/stats/restrictor.htm|archive-date=May 5, 2015|access-date=June 24, 2015}} The race is often regarded as NASCAR's most prestigious race because it offers the most prize money in American auto racing. Victory is considered equal to winning either the World Series, the Super Bowl or The Masters. It is often called the "Great American Race" or the "Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing".

NASCAR held numerous test sessions in preparation for the race on January 9–11 (for teams finishing in an odd-number position in the 2005 car owner points standings) and January 16–18, 2006 (for teams finishing in an even-number position in the 2005 car owner points standings).{{#tag:ref|Defending series champion Tony Stewart missed testing to compete at the Chili Bowl,{{cite news|last=Spencer|first=Lee|title=Inside Dish: Stewart foregoes testing for Chili Bowl|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=51589|work=Sporting News|date=January 8, 2006|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060415002016/http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=51589|archive-date=April 15, 2006|url-status=dead}} and Brian Vickers was sidelined because of a sports hernia operation.{{cite news|last=Caraviello|first=David|title=Hendrick 'on a mission' to get four cars in Chase|url=http://www.charleston.net/stories/?newsID=67282§ion=sports|work=The Post and Courier|date=January 26, 2006|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060301103335/http://www.charleston.net/stories/?newsID=67282§ion=sports|archive-date=March 1, 2006|url-status=dead}}|group="n"}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060109/SPORTS/601090329/1002|title=New rules add intrigue to Daytona testing|last=DeCotis|first=Mark|date=January 9, 2006|work=Florida Today|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060216134053/http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20060109%2FSPORTS%2F601090329%2F1002|archive-date=February 16, 2006|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} Every test session began at 9 a.m. EST, stopped for one hour from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. EST, and concluded at 5:00 pm. EST.{{cite web|title=2006 Nextel Cup Testing News – Daytona 500 – Days 1–3, Jan. 9–11|url=http://www.jayski.com/stats/testing/testing2006daytona1.htm|publisher=Jayski's Silly Season Site|access-date=November 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708154857/http://www.jayski.com/stats/testing/testing2006daytona1.htm|archive-date=July 8, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
{{cite web|title=2006 Nextel Cup Testing News – Daytona 500 – Days 4–6, Jan. 14–16|url=http://www.jayski.com/stats/testing/testing2006daytona2.htm|publisher=Jayski's Silly Season Site|access-date=November 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311152404/http://www.jayski.com/stats/testing/testing2006daytona2.htm|archive-date=March 11, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
Jeff Gordon was fastest in the first session with a speed of {{Convert|187.029|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Bill Elliott paced the second session with a speed of {{Convert|187.219|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web|url=http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/nascar/21472/|title=Elliott on Top as Tests Commence at Daytona|last=Blake|first=Ben|date=January 10, 2006|publisher=Speed|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060113141504/http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/nascar/21472/|archive-date=January 13, 2006|url-status=dead|access-date=April 3, 2019}} Jimmie Johnson led the third session at {{Convert|186.966|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and Gordon the fourth at {{Convert|188.466|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/48917/gordon-goes-fastest-at-daytona|title=Gordon goes fastest at Daytona|date=January 11, 2006|website=Autosport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403091649/https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/48917/gordon-goes-fastest-at-daytona|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2019|df=mdy-all}} Matt Kenseth and Gordon led sessions five and six with respective speeds of {{Convert|188.403|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|189.298|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cupscene.com/011106blog.htm|title=LIVE Daytona Blog: Day 3|last=Engle|first=Greg|date=January 11, 2006|publisher=CupScene|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060113031121/http://www.cupscene.com/011106blog.htm|archive-date=January 13, 2006|url-status=dead|access-date=April 3, 2019}} Kyle Busch and Sterling Marlin paced sessions seven and eight with speeds of {{Convert|186.629|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|187.110|mph|km/h|abbr=on}},{{Cite web|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/5252458|title=Week 2: Daytona Nextel Cup Monday test speeds|date=January 17, 2006|work=Fox Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060125033940/http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/5252458|archive-date=January 25, 2006|url-status=dead|access-date=April 3, 2019}} while Scott Riggs and Kyle Busch led the ninth and tenth sessions from speeds of {{Convert|185.345|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|188.119|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Dale Jarrett and Kyle Busch led the final two sessions with respective speeds of {{Convert|189.215|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|190.251|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.

The event featured 58 entrants from 34 different teams.{{Cite web |title=NASCAR Cup Series 2006 Daytona 500 Information |url=https://www.motorsportstats.com/results/nascar-cup-series/2006/daytona-500/info |access-date=November 16, 2023 |publisher=Motorsport Stats}} Following a large amount of bump drafting in the Budweiser Shootout, NASCAR implemented two "no zones" at the exit of corners, which series officials and multiple digital cameras would check for drivers attempting to ram their cars into the rear of other vehicles in order to gain an aerodynamic or overtaking advantage.{{Cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2006/02/15/Sports/NASCAR_to_police_bump.shtml|title=NASCAR to police bump-draft|last=James|first=Brant|date=February 15, 2006|work=St. Petersburg Times|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060322103143/http://www.sptimes.com/2006/02/15/Sports/NASCAR_to_police_bump.shtml|archive-date=March 22, 2006|url-status=dead}} Drivers would face a drive-through penalty or disqualification from the race depending on the severity of the bump.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/49567/nascar-acts-on-bump-drafting|title=NASCAR acts on bump drafting|last=Redmayne|first=Tim|date=February 14, 2006|website=Autosport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403091649/https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/49567/nascar-acts-on-bump-drafting|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2019|df=mdy-all}} NASCAR's vice-president of competition, Robin Pemberton, stated that bump drafting in turns would no longer be tolerated. He commented, "It crosses over the line when the drivers are in the corner. That is not a good place to bump-draft. A straight line, it's not the best either, but a straight line is far safer than in the corners. There's guys that haven't totally honed the craft of bump drafting."

Practice and qualifier

{{see also|2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series#Qualifying and Gatorade Duels}}

Before the race on Sunday, there were six practice sessions. The first two were held on February 11 and lasted 120 and 90 minutes, respectively. The following two were held on February 15 after qualifying, and were shortened to 60 minutes. Two days later, another 75-minute practice session was scheduled. The final practice session was held on February 18 and lasted 60 minutes. Kevin Harvick was fastest in the first practice session with a lap of 47.771 seconds, ahead of Gordon, Kyle Petty, Elliott Sadler, Johnson, Jarrett, Elliott, Jeremy Mayfield, Bobby Labonte, and Joe Nemechek.{{cite web|url=http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/1/data/practice1_speeds.html|title=Practice 1 Timing and Scoring|publisher=NASCAR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060806154335/http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/1/data/practice1_speeds.html|archive-date=August 6, 2006|access-date=November 24, 2015}} With a time of 47.757 seconds, Sadler led the rain-curtailed second practice session; Gordon was 0.219 seconds slower as he duplicated his first-practice result in second. Elliott improved to third. Jarrett, Johnson, Marlin, Mayfield, Clint Bowyer, Denny Hamlin, and Kurt Busch followed in positions four to ten.{{Cite web|url=http://fantasyracingcheatsheet.com/nascar/races/practice/2/2006/daytona-international-speedway/daytona-500/37|title=NASCAR Practice #2 Speeds for the 2006 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway|publisher=Fantasy Racing Cheat Sheet|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430125209/http://fantasyracingcheatsheet.com/nascar/races/practice/2/2006/daytona-international-speedway/daytona-500/37|archive-date=April 30, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2019}} Kurt Busch hit a large section of cardboard on the back stretch, stopping the session after an hour.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/49526/sadler-tops-times-in-practice-2|title=Sadler tops times in practice 2|last=Redmayne|first=Tim|date=February 11, 2006|website=Autosport|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190403143329/https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/49526/sadler-tops-times-in-practice-2|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2019|df=mdy-all}}

File:JeffBurtonAugust2007 crop.jpg (pictured in 2007) had the third pole position of his career and his first since 2000.]]

On February 12, 58 cars ran two qualifying laps for 43 slots in the race.{{Cite news|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2006/feb/13/burton-on-500-pole/|title=Burton on 500 pole|last=Harris|first=Mike|date=February 13, 2006|work=The Spokesman-Review|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403122718/http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2006/feb/13/burton-on-500-pole/|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live|agency=Associated Press}} Unlike most races throughout the season, qualifying set the first two positions. The remaining drivers had to qualify through the 2006 Gatorade Duels, in which 37 drivers were assigned mostly based on where they finished. Three remaining drivers were chosen through their qualifying speed, and one prior series champion qualified with a champions' provisional.{{Cite news|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060212/SPORTS03/602120332/1002/SPORTS|title=Nothing simple about Daytona 500 qualifying|last=DeCotis|first=Mark|date=February 11, 2006|work=Florida Today|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060222225358/http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20060212%2FSPORTS03%2F602120332%2F1002%2FSPORTS|archive-date=February 22, 2006|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} The weather was cold with a tailwind.{{Cite news|url=http://www.tbo.com/sports/autoracing/MGBE7UK7MJE.html|title=Burton Ends Drought By Capturing Daytona 500 Pole|last=Fabrizio|first=Tony|date=February 13, 2006|work=The Tampa Tribune|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060322170614/http://www.tbo.com/sports/autoracing/MGBE7UK7MJE.html|archive-date=March 22, 2006|url-status=dead}} Jeff Burton was the 34th driver to set a lap time;{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&%09s=1045855934848&c=MGArticle&cid=1137834053657&path=%21sports%21auto|title=Burton claims pole|last=Erwin|first=Jill|date=February 13, 2006|work=Richmond Times-Dispatch|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060611063358/http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&%09s=1045855934848&c=MGArticle&cid=1137834053657&path=%21sports%21auto|archive-date=June 11, 2006}} he took his first pole position at Daytona International Speedway,{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.com/nascar/burton-wins-pole_sto832146/story.shtml|title=Burton wins Pole|date=February 13, 2006|publisher=Eurosport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403130248/https://www.eurosport.com/nascar/burton-wins-pole_sto832146/story.shtml|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2019}} his first since the 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400, and the third of his career with a time of 47.581 seconds.{{Cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Burton-wins-pole-for-Daytona-500/16961139796549/|title=Burton wins pole for Daytona 500|date=February 12, 2006|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403124345/https://www.upi.com/Burton-wins-pole-for-Daytona-500/16961139796549/|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live|publisher=United Press International}} He was joined on the grid's front row by Gordon who was 0.169 seconds slower. Kenseth was the only driver to not set a time due to a flat left-rear tire to start his lap.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/jeff-burton-sails-to-daytona-500-pole/209846/|title=Jeff Burton sails to Daytona 500 pole|date=February 13, 2006|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190403132155/https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/jeff-burton-sails-to-daytona-500-pole/209846/|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2019|df=mdy-all}} After qualifying, Burton said, "We just got lucky. That's the best wind we've had down here in all of testing and everything else. It just played into our hands, and we had a car that could take advantage of it.", and, "Today had nothing to do with me. The only impact that I had on today at all was to be a warm-blooded person that could mash the gas and turn the thing on. I think Michael Waltrip once said a drunk monkey could do it, and I was a drunk monkey, I guess."

Following post-qualifying inspection, Johnson's lap times were deleted due to an illegal rear window template lowered by a track bar adjuster to the right rear of his vehicle, giving Johnson an aerodynamic advantage.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nascar.com/2006/news/headlines/cup/02/12/jjohnson.tlabonte.qualifying/index.html|title=Knaus facing suspension after 48 fails inspection|last=Newton|first=David|date=February 12, 2006|publisher=NASCAR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060514073842/http://www.nascar.com/2006/news/headlines/cup/02/12/jjohnson.tlabonte.qualifying/index.html|archive-date=May 14, 2006|url-status=dead|access-date=April 3, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/5327610|title=Johnson's pole roll disqualified; Burton's engine examined|last=Dilner|first=Bob|date=February 13, 2006|work=Fox Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060228214530/http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/5327610|archive-date=February 28, 2006|url-status=dead|access-date=April 3, 2019}} Terry Labonte's lap times were also invalidated after it was found that his car's carburetor had non-sanctioned modifications. Both Johnson and Labonte were ordered to start from the rear of the field in the Gatorade Duels.{{Cite news|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2006-02-14-knaus14-story.html|title=NASCAR suspends Knaus|last=Hinton|first=Ed|date=February 14, 2006|work=Orlando Sentinel|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403143105/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2006-02-14-knaus14-story.html|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live}} NASCAR did not confiscate Johnson's primary car, and his crew corrected the infraction to let it to compete again. NASCAR ejected Johnson's crew chief Chad Knaus from the Daytona 500, which was unappealable. Knaus was replaced by Hendrick Motorsports lead engineer Darian Grubb.

File:Ken SchraderHANSdevice.jpg (pictured in 2007) set the fastest practice lap in all six sessions on Saturday afternoon.]]

In the third practice session, Dale Earnhardt Jr. led with a 47.024 seconds lap, ahead of Kenseth, Ryan Newman, Kevin Lepage, Scott Wimmer, Jeff Green. Kurt Busch, David Stremme, Burton, and Jamie McMurray.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/1/data/practice3_speeds.html|title=Practice 3 Timing and Scoring|publisher=NASCAR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060907110628/http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/1/data/practice3_speeds.html|archive-date=September 7, 2006|url-status=dead|access-date=April 3, 2019}} Petty and Kenny Wallace had anxious moments drafting other cars; both drivers were able to control their vehicles. Both Hamlin and Derrike Cope hit a wall beside the track; they continued with no major car damage.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/49588/earnhardt-tops-penultimate-practice|title=Earnhardt tops penultimate practice|last=Redmayne|first=Tim|date=February 15, 2006|website=Autosport|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190403155142/https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/49588/earnhardt-tops-penultimate-practice|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2019|df=mdy-all}} Brian Vickers led the fourth practice session with a 46.946 seconds time, with Mike Wallace, Greg Biffle, Jarrett, Kenseth, Bowyer, Robby Gordon, Burton, Chad Chaffin and Dave Blaney in positions two to ten.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/1/data/practice4_speeds.html|title=Practice 4 Timing and Scoring|publisher=NASCAR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060907043422/http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/1/data/practice4_speeds.html|archive-date=September 7, 2006|url-status=dead|access-date=April 3, 2019}} Mike Wallace had a tire detach and his oil line failed 15 minutes into the session.{{Cite web|url=https://www.crash.net/nascar/news/90145/1/vickers-fastest-in-final-gatorade-build-up|title=Vickers fastest in final Gatorade build-up|date=February 16, 2006|publisher=Crash|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403163041/https://www.crash.net/nascar/news/90145/1/vickers-fastest-in-final-gatorade-build-up|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2019}}

Sadler and Jeff Gordon won the Gatorade Duels. The qualifying grid was finalized with Sadler, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, McMurray, Earnhardt, Bobby Labonte, Johnson and Mark Martin completing the top ten starters.{{Cite news|url=https://www.tulsaworld.com/archives/veterans-grab-victories-in-daytona-duels/article_101cd852-4ae9-5f26-97ab-8090b5b02d4d.html|title=Veterans grab victories in Daytona duels|last=Fryer|first=Jenna|date=February 17, 2006|work=Tulsa World|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403165628/https://www.tulsaworld.com/archives/veterans-grab-victories-in-daytona-duels/article_101cd852-4ae9-5f26-97ab-8090b5b02d4d.html|archive-date=April 3, 2019|agency=Associated Press}} Travis Kvapil, Hermie Sadler, and Kirk Shelmerdine were the final three drivers to qualify based on their qualifying speed. Terry Labonte began the race on a champions' provisional. Riggs, Kenny Wallace, Wimmer, Mike Skinner, Cope, Larry Gunselman, Chad Blount, Larry Foyt, Andy Belmont, Randy LaJoie, Morgan Shepherd, Chaffin, Carl Long, Paul Menard, and Stanton Barrett were the 15 drivers who did not qualify. Marlin went to a backup car after being involved in a collision in the first qualifying race.{{Cite news|url=http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A142223293/GPS?u=wikipedia&sid=GPS&xid=5e17c173|title=Marlin will drive his backup car at Daytona|last=Livingstone|first=Seth|date=February 17, 2006|work=USA Today|access-date=April 3, 2019|page=05C|url-access=subscription|via=Biography in Context}} Nemechek's team changed his engine after it failed in the second qualifier.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cupscene.com/021906blog.htm|title=Live: Daytona Sunday Blog|last=Engle|first=Greg|date=February 19, 2006|publisher=Cup Scene|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060629221856/http://www.cupscene.com/021906blog.htm|archive-date=June 29, 2006|url-status=dead|access-date=April 3, 2019}}

Stremme paced the fifth practice session with a 47.038 seconds, 0.001 seconds faster than Robby Gordon in second. Harvick, Green, Elliott, Ken Schrader, McMurray, Kasey Kahne, Earnhardt and Kurt Busch followed in the top ten.{{Cite web|url=https://fantasyracingcheatsheet.com/race/default_practice/37/5|title=NASCAR Practice #5 for the 2006 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway|publisher=Fantasy Racing Cheat Sheet|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403175214/https://fantasyracingcheatsheet.com/race/default_practice/37/5|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2019}} In the final practice session, which took place in warm weather and saw drivers limit their running to preserve their cars,{{Cite news|url=http://www.tbo.com/sports/autoracing/MGBDT38SUJE.html|title=High Temperatures at Daytona Limit Drivers' Practice Runs|last=Harmon|first=Rick|date=February 19, 2006|work=The Tampa Tribune|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060322170040/http://www.tbo.com/sports/autoracing/MGBDT38SUJE.html|archive-date=March 22, 2006|url-status=dead}} Schrader lapped fastest overall at 46.708 seconds; Martin Truex Jr., Earnhardt, Green, Lepage, Jarrett, Marlin, Petty, Burton, and Brent Sherman completed the top ten.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/49641/schrader-tops-final-practice|title=Schrader tops final practice|last=Redmayne|first=Tim|date=February 18, 2006|website=Autosport|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190403155932/https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/49641/schrader-tops-final-practice|archive-date=April 3, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=April 3, 2019|df=mdy-all}} The session passed without major incident. Bobby Labonte's engine failed late in practice, and his team changed engines. Vickers glanced the turn three wall and resumed without major car damage.

=Qualifying results=

class="wikitable"
+ Qualifying results
scope="col" | Grid

! scope="col" | {{Tooltip|Car|Car number}}

! scope="col" | Driver

! scope="col" | Team

! scope="col" | Manufacturer

! scope="col" | Reason

scope="row" | 1

| 31 ||Jeff Burton||Richard Childress Racing||Chevrolet||Pole Winner

scope="row" | 2

| 24 ||Jeff Gordon (W)||Hendrick Motorsports|| Chevrolet || Outside Pole Winner and Duel 2 Winner

scope="row" | 3

|38

|Elliott Sadler||Robert Yates Racing

|Ford||Duel 1 Winner

scope="row" | 4

| 5 ||Kyle Busch|| Hendrick Motorsports || Chevrolet || Second in Duel 2

scope="row" | 5

| 99 ||Carl Edwards||Roush Racing|| Ford || Second in Duel 1

scope="row" | 6

| 26 ||Jamie McMurray|| Roush Racing || Ford || Third in Duel 2

scope="row" | 7

| 8 ||Dale Earnhardt Jr. (W)||Dale Earnhardt, Inc.|| Chevrolet || Third in Duel 1

scope="row" | 8

| 43 ||Bobby Labonte||Petty Enterprises

|Dodge||Fourth in Duel 2{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 9

| 48 ||Jimmie Johnson||Hendrick Motorsports

| Chevrolet || Fourth in Duel 1

scope="row" | 10

| 6 ||Mark Martin|| Roush Racing || Ford || Fifth in Duel 2

scope="row" | 11

| 17 ||Matt Kenseth||Roush Racing

| Ford || Fifth in Duel 1

scope="row" | 12

| 45 ||Kyle Petty||Petty Enterprises

| Dodge || Sixth in Duel 2

scope="row" | 13

| 2 ||Kurt Busch||Penske Racing South|| Dodge || Sixth in Duel 1

scope="row" | 14

|42

|Casey Mears||Chip Ganassi Racing|| Dodge || Seventh in Duel 2

scope="row" | 15

| 20 ||Tony Stewart||Joe Gibbs Racing|| Chevrolet || Eighth in Duel 1

scope="row" | 16

| 16 ||Greg Biffle||Roush Racing

| Ford || Eighth in Duel 2

scope="row" | 17

| 11 ||Denny Hamlin (R)|| Joe Gibbs Racing || Chevrolet || Ninth in Duel 1

scope="row" | 18

| 12 ||Ryan Newman|| Penske Racing South || Dodge || Ninth in Duel 2

scope="row" | 19

| 1 ||Martin Truex Jr. (R)|| Dale Earnhardt, Inc. || Chevrolet || Tenth in Duel 1

scope="row" | 20

| 7 ||Robby Gordon||Robby Gordon Motorsports|| Chevrolet ||Transfer 1 in Duel 1

scope="row" | 21

| 66 ||Jeff Green||Haas CNC Racing|| Chevrolet || Eleventh in Duel 1

scope="row" | 22

| 41 ||Reed Sorenson (R)|| Chip Ganassi Racing || Dodge || Eleventh in Duel 2

scope="row" | 23

| 21 ||Ken Schrader||Wood Brothers Racing|| Ford ||Twelfth in Duel 2

scope="row" | 24

| 09 ||Mike Wallace||Phoenix Racing

| Dodge || Transfer 2 in Duel 1

scope="row" | 25

| 88 ||Dale Jarrett (W)|| Robert Yates Racing || Ford ||Thirteenth in Duel 1

scope="row" | 26

| 19 ||Jeremy Mayfield||Evernham Motorsports

| Dodge || Fifteenth in Duel 2

scope="row" | 27

| 9 ||Kasey Kahne|| Evernham Motorsports || Dodge || Fourteenth in Duel 1

scope="row" | 28

| 29 ||Kevin Harvick|| Richard Childress Racing || Chevrolet || Sixteenth in Duel 1

scope="row" | 29

| 49 ||Brent Sherman (R)||BAM Racing

| Dodge || Fifteenth in Duel 1

scope="row" | 30

| 55 ||Michael Waltrip (W)||Waltrip-Jasper Racing

| Dodge || Nineteenth in Duel 1

scope="row" | 31

| 61 ||Kevin Lepage||Peak Fitness Racing

| Ford ||Transfer 2 in Duel 1

scope="row" | 32

| 40 ||David Stremme (R)||Chip Ganassi Racing

| Dodge ||Twentieth in Duel 2

scope="row" | 33

| 36 ||Bill Elliott (W)||MB2 Motorsports

| Chevrolet ||Transfer 2 in Duel 1

scope="row" | 34

| 22 ||Dave Blaney||Bill Davis Racing

| Dodge||Twenty-third in Duel 2

scope="row" | 35

| 25||Brian Vickers|| Hendrick Motorsports|| Chevrolet|| Twentieth in Duel 1

scope="row" | 36

| 18||J. J. Yeley (R)||Joe Gibbs Racing

| Chevrolet||Twenty-fourth in Duel 2

scope="row" | 37

| 07||Clint Bowyer (R)|| Richard Childress Racing|| Chevrolet|| Twenty-first in Duel 1

scope="row" | 38

| 01||Joe Nemechek||MB2 Motorsports

| Chevrolet|| Twenty-ninth in Duel 2{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 39

| 14||Sterling Marlin (W)|| MB2 Motorsports|| Chevrolet||Twenty-sixth in Duel 1{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 40

| 32||Travis Kvapil||PPI Motorsports

| Chevrolet||Speed – 187.106

scope="row" | 41

|00

|Hermie Sadler||MBA Racing

| Ford||Speed – 187.025

scope="row" | 42

|27

|Kirk Shelmerdine||Kirk Shelmerdine Racing

| Chevrolet||Speed – 185.361

scope="row" | 43

|96

|Terry Labonte||Hall of Fame Racing

| Chevrolet ||Champion's Provisional

colspan="8" style="text-align:center;" |Failed to qualify
scope="row" | 44

| 10||Scott Riggs|| Evernham Motorsports|| Dodge||Speed – 180.890

scope="row" | 45

|78

|Kenny Wallace||Furniture Row Racing|| Chevrolet||Speed – 181.594

scope="row" | 46

| 4||Scott Wimmer||Morgan-McClure Motorsports

| Chevrolet||Speed – 184.854

scope="row" | 47

| 23||Mike Skinner

| Bill Davis Racing|| Dodge||Speed – 182.771

scope="row" | 48

| 74||Derrike Cope (W)

|McGlynn Racing

| Dodge||Speed – 183.333

scope="row" | 49

| 52||Larry Gunselman||Rick Ware Racing

| Dodge||Speed – 181.214

scope="row" | 50

| 37||Chad Blount

|R&J Racing

| Dodge||Speed – 181.906

scope="row" | 51

| 50||Larry Foyt||Arnold Motorsports

| Dodge||Speed – 185.128

scope="row" | 52

| 59||Andy Belmont

|Andy Belmont Racing

|Chevrolet

|Speed – 179.960

scope="row" | 53

| 64||Randy LaJoie

|Front Row Motorsports

| Chevrolet||Speed – 184.540

scope="row" | 54

| 89||Morgan Shepherd

|Shepherd Racing Ventures

| Dodge||Speed – 183.576

scope="row" | 55

| 92||Chad Chaffin (R)

| Front Row Motorsports|| Chevrolet||Speed – 181.763

scope="row" | 56

| 80||Carl Long

|Hover Motorsports

| Ford||Speed – 176.935

scope="row" | 57

| 15||Paul Menard

|Dale Earnhardt, Inc.

| Chevrolet||Speed – 185.334

scope="row" | 58

| 95||Stanton Barrett

|Stanton Barrett Motorsports

| Chevrolet||Speed – 185.322

colspan="8"|{{center|{{small|Sources:{{cite web|title=Race Lineup: Daytona 500|url=http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/1/data/lineup.html|publisher=NASCAR|access-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060427134813/http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/1/data/lineup.html|archive-date=April 27, 2006|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Jayski's Semi-Live Qualifying/Grid page for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway|url=http://www.jayski.com/stats/2006grids/2006dis1-grid.htm|publisher=Jayski's Silly Season Site|access-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315171740/http://www.jayski.com/stats/2006grids/2006dis1-grid.htm|archive-date=March 15, 2006|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Starting line-up: Daytona 500|url=https://www.crash.net/nascar/news/90144/1/starting-line-up-daytona-500|publisher=Crash|date=February 16, 2006|access-date=October 15, 2020}}}}}}
class="sortbottom"

|colspan="7"|{{center|{{small|{{smallsup|1}} Moved to the back of the field for changing engines (#01, 43) and for changing to a back-up car (#14)}}}}

Race

At 9:00 a.m., Nemechek's engine compartment caught fire after oil-covered tire rubber in his exhaust header ignited, requiring his team to replace the wiring harness and the aluminum heat shield beside the engine's header. Live television coverage began at 1:30 pm EDT in the United States on NBC.{{Cite news|url=http://www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/13912424.htm|title=With Marlin hobbled, Elliott's the old-school pick|last=Poole|first=David|date=February 19, 2006|work=The Charlotte Observer|access-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060323013107/http://www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/13912424.htm|archive-date=March 23, 2006|url-status=live}} Around the start of the race, the weather was overcast and cool;{{cite web|last=Finnegan|first=Mike|title=Johnson is Lowe and Improved at Daytona|url=http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/06/021906Finnegan3.asp|publisher=SpeedwayMedia|date=February 19, 2006|access-date=April 2, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060507023648/http://www.speedwaymedia.com/Articles/06/021906Finnegan3.asp|archive-date=May 7, 2006|url-status=dead}} forecasts predicted an air temperature of {{Convert|65|F|C|abbr=on}} and cloudy conditions. Ronald Durham, pastor of Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, Florida, began pre-race ceremonies with an invocation. Hip-hop singer Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas performed the national anthem, and actor James Caan commanded the drivers to start their engines.{{cite web|url=http://www.nascar.com/2006/races/lapbylap/02/19/daytona_500/index.html|title=Lap-by-Lap: Daytona|date=February 19, 2006|publisher=NASCAR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060907054433/http://www.nascar.com/2006/races/lapbylap/02/19/daytona_500/index.html|archive-date=September 7, 2006|access-date=November 24, 2015}} During the pace laps, Bobby Labonte and Nemechek moved to the rear of the field because they changed their engines. Marlin did the same after going to a back-up car.

File:TSM350 - 2015 - Tony Stewart - 1 - Stierch.jpg (pictured in 2015) led 20 laps and was later penalized for contact with Matt Kenseth on lap 107.]]

The race began at 2:45 pm. Burton maintained the lead over the field into the first turn. In turn three, Green's left-rear tire went flat; no caution was prompted because the carcass rolled into the infield grass. By lap three, two different packs of cars had formed; 27 cars were in the lead pack, and the rest were five seconds behind. Earnhardt made it three abreast through the tri-oval on the fifth lap; it returned to two abreast into the back straightaway. Harvick moved from 26th to ninth by lap nine, while Petty dropped 17 positions over the same distance. The top three cars established a single file on lap 15, with the next six rows two abreast. Two laps later, the first caution was given; Truex served to avoid Vickers when he lost control of his car exiting turn two. Vickers collided with the right-hand side wall, causing his car's right-side sheet metal to rub against the right rear tire. During the caution, the field (including Burton), made pit stops for fuel and tires. Sadler led Earnhardt at the lap 21 restart.

One lap later, Earnhardt went right to unsuccessfully attempt a pass on Sadler without drafting assistance but fell back. Jeff Gordon took the lead on lap 24th, as Sadler fell to fourth. On lap 25, Kenseth overtook Gordon for first, with Earnhardt second and Stewart third. Earnhardt passed Kenseth for the lead two laps later, as Stewart got loose in turn two and slid up towards Kenseth; he regained control of his car. McMurray gave Stewart drafting assistance in passing Earnhardt for first on the 28th lap. Six laps later, Mike Wallace collided with Mayfield, went into Biffle; no caution was issued. Mayfield entered pit road for repairs on the lap. He made a second pit stop on lap 38 because a fender cut his right-front tire. On lap 40, Stewart remained first, with McMurray second. Mayfield made a third pit stop for sheet metal repairs on the next lap.

On the 48th lap, just after Stewart lost the lead to McMurray, Gordon lost control of his vehicle and collided with Stewart's front. Both drivers were sent into the right-hand wall leaving the second turn and incurred right-side damage. The field (including McMurray) made pit stops under caution. McMurray was dropped off his team's jack, causing metal sheet damage, and Edwards had front-end repairs made. As fog fell between turns one and three, restricting visibility, Newman led at the lap 52 restart, followed by Kenseth. Six laps later, Kyle Busch helped Kenseth take the lead from Newman. Kyle Busch lost positions from lap 61, while Kurt Busch moved to third. By the 75th lap, Stewart returned to 13th place. Four laps later, a multi-car collision caused a third caution. Green's car slid upward into J. J. Yeley's path in turn three after colliding with Jarrett, collecting Nemechek. The front of Edwards' car briefly mounted Petty's left-side fender before both drivers slid into the infield grass at turn three.

File:Daleearnhardtjr.jpg (pictured in 2002) led more laps than any other driver in the Daytona 500 (32).]]The leaders (including Kenseth) made pit stops under caution. Kurt Busch and Travis Kvapil both staggered their pit stops, leading one lap before their stops. Racing resumed on lap 85 with Kenseth leading and Harvick in second. That lap, as the field spread out in turns one and two, Harvick passed Kenseth for the lead. Earnhardt turned left and exploited Nemechek's slower car to pass Harvick for first on lap 86. Four laps later, Kenseth received drafting assistance from Kurt Busch to recover first place from Harvick on the outside. A fourth caution was prompted when a spring rubber was located on track during lap 91. The leaders (including Kenseth) made pit stops during the caution. Earnhardt led at the lap 96 restart. Entering turn three on the lap, Kenseth overtook Johnson for second. On the 104th lap, Martin used Stewart's drafting to pass Earnhardt on the outside for the lead.

The fifth caution was waved on lap 107. Stewart went left and hit the front of Kenseth's car into turn three. This sent Kenseth into the infield grass and backward onto the track in turn three, where he hit no other cars before glancing the wall. The field (including Martin) entered pit road during the caution. Earnhardt took the lead after all cars made their pit stops. Meanwhile, Stewart was sent to the end of the longest line for "aggressive driving." As Stewart and Kenseth exited pit road, Kenseth went to the outside into turn one and collided with Stewart's right-hand quarter. NASCAR ordered Kenseth to serve a drive-through penalty. The race resumed on lap 112, with Earnhardt leading a lap before Biffle overtook him. Kenseth disputed his penalty and remained on track until the 114th lap. Earnhardt retook the lead for two laps, before Kyle Busch led laps 116 and 120 until Johnson passed him on lap 121. On lap 124, Robby Gordon's right-front tire failed in turn three, and he hit the wall, triggering the sixth caution.

The field (including Johnson) entered pit road under caution. Elliott led the field on lap 126 before his pit stop. Stewart drove over his pit stall jack, and was ordered to drop to the end of the nearest longest line. Martin led at the lap 129 restart, followed by Johnson. That lap, Johnson unsuccessfully tried to pass Martin on the outside. Martin pulled away with drafting aid from Earnhardt, and the top six had formed a single line by lap 132. Earnhardt reclaimed the lead ten laps later, and Vickers passed teammate Johnson on the outside on lap 143. Vickers took the lead on the next lap. Lap 155 saw the seventh caution; debris was located in the frontstretch groove. All of the leaders including Vickers made pit stops under caution. Johnson went onto the grass to avoid hitting Newman. Earnhardt led Vickers and Newman at the lap 160 restart. Newman passed Earnhardt on the outside for the lead four laps later, which Earnhardt retook momentarily. Kurt Busch moved to second on lap 167.

File:JimmieJohnsonAugust2007 cropped.jpg (pictured in 2007) led 24 laps and took his first Daytona 500 victory and the 19th of his career.]]

Kahne helped Earnhardt move to second on lap 171. Kvapil's right front tire burst five laps later, sending him into the turn three right-hand wall and prompting the eighth caution. During the caution, all cars including Newman entered pit road. Vickers led at the lap 181 restart with no new tires on his car. Every driver, except for Kyle Busch and Kurt Busch, turned onto the inside. Just as Johnson overtook his teammate Vickers on the outside in turn two for the lead with Newman's help,{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?seriesId=2&id=2336665|title=Johnson overcomes odds, late rush to win 500|last=Fofaria|first=Rupen|date=February 20, 2006|publisher=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404085710/http://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?seriesId=2&id=2336665|archive-date=April 4, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=April 4, 2019}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/13913572.htm|title=Caution assures Johnson's Daytona 500 win|last=Poole|first=David|date=February 19, 2006|work=The Charlotte Observer|access-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060323013246/http://www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/13913572.htm|archive-date=March 23, 2006|url-status=dead}} the ninth caution was waved on the 187th lap. McMurray collided with Kurt Busch's left-rear on the backstretch, sending Busch into a barrier. Marlin and Jeff Gordon were collected, and debris struck Stewart's car. Johnson maintained the lead at the lap 190 restart. Newman bump drafted Vickers for two laps, before passing him for second, and attempted to challenge Johnson. Casey Mears then overtook Vickers for third.

Johnson led the next seven laps before an accident brought out the tenth caution flag. Burton slid up the backstretch and hit McMurray, leading Burton to collide with the wall. Burton collided with Bobby Labonte's right side, causing both cars to strike the wall, and Labonte collected Hamlin. During the caution, one of Newman's mechanics pleaded with representatives from Mears' and Sadler's teams to help Newman on the outside for the restart. Both declined because of the chance to win the race. The race restarted on the 202nd lap for a green–white–checker finish extending it to 203 laps,{{Cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2006-02-19-daytona-500_x.htm|title=Day of atonement at Daytona for Jimmie Johnson|last=Ryan|first=Nate|date=February 19, 2006|work=USA Today|access-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060513165305/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2006-02-19-daytona-500_x.htm|archive-date=May 13, 2006|url-status=dead}} with Johnson leading Newman and Mears. The trio drew clear from the field. Strong runs from Sadler and Earnhardt closed them up to the top three.

Earnhardt attempted to gain positions by turning right on the final lap, but fell back. Then, Newman attempted to pass Johnson on the outside; Mears remained with Johnson instead of drafting Newman.{{Cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/20/sports/othersports/20nascar.html|title=Victory at Daytona Has Stigma Attached|last=Bernstein|first=Viv|date=February 20, 2006|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410202625/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/20/sports/othersports/20nascar.html|archive-date=April 10, 2015|url-status=dead}} Biffle spun and hit the turn four wall, causing the eleventh (and final) caution. The field was frozen in place, with the finish order determined by where the drivers were when the caution began.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/49653/johnson-wins-thrilling-daytona-500|title=Johnson wins thrilling Daytona 500|last=Redmayne|first=Tim|date=February 19, 2006|website=Autosport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404084339/https://www.autosport.com/nascar/news/49653/johnson-wins-thrilling-daytona-500|archive-date=April 4, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=April 4, 2019}} This gave Johnson his maiden Daytona 500 victory, his first at either Talladega Superspeedway and Daytona International Speedway, and the 19th of his career.{{Cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/johnson-earns-his-first-daytona-500-win/210270/|title=Johnson earns his first Daytona 500 win|date=February 21, 2006|publisher=motorsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404100636/https://www.motorsport.com/nascar-cup/news/johnson-earns-his-first-daytona-500-win/210270/|archive-date=April 4, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=April 4, 2019|df=mdy-all}} Mears, Newman, Sadler, Stewart, Bowyer, Vickers, Earnhardt, Schrader, and Jarrett completed the top ten finishers. There were 11 cautions and 32 lead changes among a record-setting 18 different drivers during the race. Earnhardt led the most laps of any racer (32). Johnson led four times totaling 24 laps.

=Post-race=

{{Quote box

| quote = "The racer in me wanted to push and be aggressive out there. And there were so many times I just told myself to stop. Don't get caught up in this. I really did a lot of talking to myself. And ultimately I hope that I learned something today that will help me win a championship. In my eyes, I wonder if I've been trying too hard and this team's been trying too hard. If we just sit down and be calm and relaxed, do our job 100 percent, that we will accomplish what we want to."

| source = Jimmie Johnson, on winning the 48th Daytona 500.

| align = right

| width = 40%

}}

Johnson appeared in Victory Lane to celebrate his first Daytona 500 victory in front of a crowd of 200,000 spectators; the win earned him $1,505,124. He believed his team would win without Knaus and dedicated it to his detractors, saying, "I just have so much pride in my team with the circumstances that we've faced this week. Chad made a mistake and we're dealing with the consequences that come with that. But I think this shows how hard we work to be successful, and nobody can deny the fact that we worked out butts off and won the sport's biggest race." Mears said he was happy to be second, the fifth top-five finish of his career, "These races are so hard to get good finishes in [because] so many people can affect the outcome. Obviously we would have liked to have won [because] it would have forced Chip and Felix [Sabates, team co-owner] to put me in the Indy 500, which would have been a lot of fun. At the end of the day, it was a good finish for us, we had an excellent day and I couldn't be happier – unless we won."{{Cite web|url=http://www.nascar.com/2006/news/headlines/cup/02/19/cmears.second.daytona/index.html|title=Mears, Newman pleased with Daytona 500 runs|last=Rodman|first=Dave|date=February 20, 2006|publisher=NASCAR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060319234434/http://www.nascar.com/2006/news/headlines/cup/02/19/cmears.second.daytona/index.html|archive-date=March 19, 2006|url-status=dead|access-date=April 4, 2019}} Third-placed Newman told Mears after the race, "You cost me a million dollars". He said he was proud to attempt a pass for the win, "I told the guys over the radio afterward, if I had that run and didn't take it, I would have had a hard time sleeping tonight – probably for the next 10 or 15 years, maybe – you never know."

Regarding whether Johnson would be allowed to keep the victory, Johnson was declared the winner several hours later after his car passed post-race inspection. Newman noted three of Johnson's previous wins came under scrutiny from NASCAR, adding, "This could still be the first opportunity for NASCAR to pull away a victory if the thing is illegal, I think a lot of Jimmie Johnson and his talent ... but I'm pretty sure that three of his past four wins have had conflict with the cars being illegal. It's not necessarily good for the sport." Johnson responded by criticizing Newman's crew chief Matt Borland and said that he would defend himself and Hendrick Motorsports against personal criticism. Mears believed Johnson earned the victory, "In my mind, the fact that they got caught earlier in the week took away every doubt in my mind that they'd actually do anything to cheat in this race." Hendrick Motorsports founder and owner Rick Hendrick declared Knaus' ejection from the race as unimportant, commenting, "We've been through inspection I don't know how many times. NASCAR did what they did, and we came back and ran two races. That was history."

Two days after the race, NASCAR announced penalties for Hendrick Motorsports and Hall of Fame Racing. Hendrick Motorsport's penalties for "actions detrimental to stock car racing", and for making an unapproved template modification to Johnson's rear window, included a $25,000 fine for Knaus, who was suspended from NASCAR until March 22, 2006. Knaus was also placed on probation until December 31, 2006; Johnson did not incur a points penalty.{{Cite news|url=http://www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/13926441.htm|title=NASCAR suspends Chad Knaus, comes down hard on 96 team|last=Poole|first=David|date=February 21, 2006|work=The Charlotte Observer|access-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060323013101/http://www.thatsracin.com/mld/thatsracin/13926441.htm|archive-date=March 23, 2006|url-status=dead}} The team did not appeal the penalties and Grubb continued in Knaus' role until the Golden Corral 500.{{Cite news|url=http://pilotonline.com/sports/other/auto-racing/johnson-s-crew-chief-fined-gets-probation/article_f7f4628c-e0d9-5e32-9526-128041acd5c7.html|title=Johnson's crew chief fined, gets probation|last=Long|first=Dustin|date=February 21, 2006|work=The Virginian-Pilot|access-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404141431/https://pilotonline.com/sports/other/auto-racing/johnson-s-crew-chief-fined-gets-probation/article_f7f4628c-e0d9-5e32-9526-128041acd5c7.html|archive-date=April 4, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} Hall of Fame Racing's penalties were for "actions detrimental to stock car racing", and for having a non-compliant carburetor in accordance to the 2006 NASCAR Rule Book. Crew chief Philippe Lopez was fined $25,000, and Terry Labonte and team owner Bill Saunders were penalized 25 points in the Drivers' and Owners' Championships. Hall of Fame Racing and its partner Joe Gibbs Racing announced they would appeal their penalties. The appeal was heard before a three-member National Stock Car Racing Commission on March 7 at NASCAR's Research & Development Center in Concord, North Carolina. The penalties were upheld.{{Cite news|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/motorsports/stories/030806dnspomotors.312fdd3.html|title=HOF Racing appeal denied|last=Blount|first=Terry|date=March 7, 2006|work=The Dallas Morning News|access-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060821192343/http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/motorsports/stories/030806dnspomotors.312fdd3.html|archive-date=August 21, 2006|url-status=dead}} Hall of Fame Racing decided not to appeal further to Charles D. Strang, the NASCAR National Commissioner.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?seriesId=2&id=2366057|title=Engine, tires make a bad day for Newman: No appeal|date=March 12, 2006|access-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060314102339/http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?seriesId=2&id=2366057|archive-date=March 14, 2006|url-status=live|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}

Kenseth said Stewart purposefully eliminated him from contention on lap 107. He was disenchanted with him, and urged NASCAR to address bump drafting, "There's no two ways about it. He was mad because earlier in the race when I passed him he got loose, which I didn't think I did anything wrong."{{Cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2006-02-19-daytona-stewart_x.htm|title=Stewart finds plenty of trouble during his Daytona 500|last=Livingstone|first=Seth|date=February 19, 2006|work=USA Today|access-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510071130/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/nascar/2006-02-19-daytona-stewart_x.htm|archive-date=May 10, 2008|url-status=live}} Stewart argued Kenseth caused the crash, "I guess Matt didn't think anything when he got me sideways over in (Turn) 2, either. He should have thought about that first. He got back what he started in the first place. I got penalized for that." McMurray commented on his accident with Kurt Busch on lap 187, "I need to apologize to Kurt. I got into him, that was 100 percent my fault and I feel really bad because he had a car capable of winning and I kind of screwed that up for him."{{Cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2006/02/20/Sports/Crashes_make_McMurray.shtml|title=Crashes make McMurray public enemy No.1|last=Readling|first=Mike|date=February 20, 2006|work=St. Petersburg Times|access-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061111091132/http://www.sptimes.com/2006/02/20/Sports/Crashes_make_McMurray.shtml|archive-date=November 11, 2006}} Earnhardt, who led the most laps of any driver with 32, said he was pleased to finish ninth, "We had a great race car, built by all the technology and resources at DEI. … We came down here and ran great. That's what we wanted to do. I'm real proud of everybody back at the shop and all my guys down here that have been working on this car all week. It's been a long week."{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?seriesId=2&id=2336734|title=Earnhardt Jr. happy with run in the top 10|last=Fofaria|first=Rupen|date=February 20, 2006|publisher=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111140712/http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?seriesId=2&id=2336734|archive-date=November 11, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=April 4, 2019}}

Johnson led the Drivers' Championship with 185 points after the season's first race, with Mears and Newman tied for second with 170 points. The top ten were completed by Sadler, Stewart, Earnhardt, Vickers, Bowyer, Schrader, and Jarrett.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/1/data/standings_official.html|title=2006 Official Driver Standings: Daytona 500|publisher=NASCAR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060319225544/http://www.nascar.com/races/cup/2006/1/data/standings_official.html|archive-date=March 19, 2006|url-status=dead|access-date=April 4, 2019}} Johnson won his first of five races of the 2006 season and took his first of seven NASCAR Cup Series championships at the season's end.{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jimmie-Johnson|title=Jimmie Johnson: American Race-Car Driver|last=DiGiacomo|first=Paul|date=13 September 2019|website=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=29 October 2019}} Chevrolet led the Manufacturers' Championship with nine points, Dodge was in second with six points, and Ford followed in third with four points.{{cite web|url=http://www.jayski.com/stats/2006/manu2006.htm|title=Manufacturers' Championship Classification|publisher=Jayski's Silly Season Site|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212003239/http://www.jayski.com/stats/2006/manu2006.htm|archive-date=February 12, 2007|access-date=January 6, 2015}} The race attracted 19.355 million viewers; it took 3 hours, 33 minutes, and 26 seconds to complete; because it ended under caution, no margin of victory was recorded.

=Race results=

class="wikitable"
+ Race results
scope="col" | {{Tooltip|Pos|Position}}

! scope="col" | Grid

! scope="col" | {{Tooltip|Car|Car number}}

! scope="col" | Driver

! scope="col" | Team

! scope="col" | Manufacturer

! scope="col" |{{Abbr|Laps|Laps completed}}

! scope="col" | Points

scope="row" | 1

|9

| 48|| Jimmie Johnson|| Hendrick Motorsports|| Chevrolet|| 203||185{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 2

| 14|| 42|| Casey Mears|| Chip Ganassi Racing|| Dodge|| 203||170

scope="row" | 3

| 18|| 12|| Ryan Newman|| Penske Racing South|| Dodge|| 203||170{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 4

| 3|| 38|| Elliott Sadler|| Robert Yates Racing|| Ford|| 203||165{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 5

| 15|| 20|| Tony Stewart|| Joe Gibbs Racing|| Chevrolet|| 203||160{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 6

| 37|| 07|| Clint Bowyer (R)|| Richard Childress Racing|| Chevrolet|| 203||150

scope="row" | 7

| 35|| 25|| Brian Vickers|| Hendrick Motorsports|| Chevrolet|| 203||151{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 8

| 7|| 8|| Dale Earnhardt Jr. (W)|| Dale Earnhardt, Inc,|| Chevrolet|| 203||152{{smallsup|2}}

scope="row" | 9

| 23|| 21|| Ken Schrader|| Wood Brothers Racing|| Ford|| 203||138

scope="row" | 10

| 25|| 88|| Dale Jarrett (W)|| Robert Yates Racing|| Ford|| 203||134

scope="row" | 11

| 27|| 9|| Kasey Kahne|| Evernham Motorsports|| Dodge|| 203||130

scope="row" | 12

| 10|| 6|| Mark Martin|| Roush Racing|| Ford|| 203||132{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 13

| 20|| 7|| Robby Gordon|| Robby Gordon Motorsports|| Chevrolet|| 203||124

scope="row" | 14

| 28|| 29|| Kevin Harvick|| Richard Childress Racing|| Chevrolet|| 203||126{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 15

| 11|| 17|| Matt Kenseth|| Roush Racing|| Ford|| 203||123{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 16

| 19|| 1|| Martin Truex Jr. (R)|| Dale Earnhardt Inc.|| Chevrolet|| 203||115

scope="row" | 17

| 43|| 96|| Terry Labonte|| Hall of Fame Racing|| Chevrolet|| 203||87{{smallsup|3}}

scope="row" | 18

| 30|| 55|| Michael Waltrip (W)|| Waltrip-Jasper Racing|| Dodge|| 203||109

scope="row" | 19

| 33|| 36|| Bill Elliott (W)|| MB2 Motorsports|| Chevrolet|| 203||111{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 20

| 42|| 27|| Kirk Shelmerdine|| Kirk Shelmerdine Racing|| Chevrolet|| 203||103

scope="row" | 21

| 29|| 49|| Brent Sherman (R)|| BAM Racing|| Dodge|| 203||100

scope="row" | 22

| 34|| 22|| Dave Blaney|| Bill Davis Racing|| Dodge|| 203||97

scope="row" | 23

| 4|| 5|| Kyle Busch|| Hendrick Motorsports|| Chevrolet|| 203||99{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 24

| 24|| 09|| Mike Wallace|| Phoenix Racing|| Dodge|| 203||91

scope="row" | 25

| 31|| 61|| Kevin Lepage|| Peak Fitness Racing|| Ford|| 203||93{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 26

| 2|| 24|| Jeff Gordon (W)|| Hendrick Motorsports|| Chevrolet|| 203||90{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 27

| 40|| 32|| Travis Kvapil|| PPI Motorsports|| Chevrolet|| 203||87{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 28

| 32|| 40|| David Stremme (R)|| Chip Ganassi Racing|| Dodge|| 203||79

scope="row" | 29

| 22|| 41|| Reed Sorenson (R)||Chip Ganassi Racing

| Dodge|| 203||76

scope="row" | 30

| 17|| 11|| Denny Hamlin (R)|| Joe Gibbs Racing|| Chevrolet|| 203||73

scope="row" | 31

| 16|| 16|| Greg Biffle|| Roush Racing|| Ford|| 203||75{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 32

| 1|| 31|| Jeff Burton|| Richard Childress Racing|| Chevrolet|| 202||72{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 33

| 38|| 01|| Joe Nemechek|| MB2 Motorsports|| Chevrolet|| 200||64

scope="row" | 34

| 39|| 14|| Sterling Marlin (W)|| MB2 Motorsports|| Chevrolet|| 200||61

scope="row" | 35

| 8|| 43|| Bobby Labonte|| Petty Enterprises||Dodge

| 197||58

scope="row" | 36

| 26|| 19|| Jeremy Mayfield|| Evernham Motorsports|| Dodge|| 197||55

scope="row" | 37

| 6|| 26|| Jamie McMurray|| Roush Racing|| Ford|| 196||57{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 38

| 13|| 2|| Kurt Busch|| Penske Racing South|| Dodge|| 187||54{{smallsup|1}}

scope="row" | 39

| 12|| 45|| Kyle Petty|| Petty Enterprises|| Dodge|| 173||46

scope="row" | 40

| 41|| 00|| Hermie Sadler|| MBA Racing|| Ford|| 169||43

scope="row" | 41

| 36|| 18|| J. J. Yeley (R)|| Joe Gibbs Racing|| Chevrolet|| 157||40

scope="row" | 42

| 21|| 66|| Jeff Green|| Haas CNC Racing|| Chevrolet|| 156||37

scope="row" | 43

|5

| 99|| Carl Edwards|| Roush Racing|| Ford|| 78||34

class="sortbottom"

| colspan="9" | {{center|{{small|{{smallsup|1}} Includes five bonus points for leading a lap}}}}

class="sortbottom"

| colspan="9" | {{center|{{small|{{smallsup|2}} Includes ten bonus points for leading the most laps}}}}

class="sortbottom"

| colspan="9" | {{center|{{small|{{smallsup|3}} Includes a 25-point post-race penalty}}}}

class="sortbottom"

|colspan="9"|{{center|{{small|Sources:{{cite web|title=NASCAR Nextel Cup Race No. 1: Daytona 500: Daytona International Raceway|url=http://www.jayski.com/stats/2006standings/feb19results.htm|publisher=Jayski's Silly Season Site|access-date=October 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315172042/http://www.jayski.com/stats/2006standings/feb19results.htm|archive-date=March 15, 2006|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Race result: Daytona 500|url=https://www.crash.net/nascar/results/90156/1/race-result-daytona-500|publisher=Crash|date=February 19, 2006|access-date=October 15, 2020}}
{{cite web|title=2006 Nascar Cup Series Daytona 500|url=https://results.motorsportstats.com/results/2006-daytona-500/classification|publisher=Motorsport Stats|access-date=October 15, 2020}}
}}}}

Standings after the race

{{col-start}}

{{col-2}}

;Drivers' Championship standings

class="wikitable"
scope="col" | {{Tooltip|Pos|Position}}

! scope="col" | Driver

! scope="col" | Points

scope="row" |1

| Jimmie Johnson

| style="text-align:center;"| 185

scope="row" | 2

| Casey Mears

| style="text-align:center;"| 170 (−15)

scope="row" | 3

| Ryan Newman

| style="text-align:center;"| 170 (−15)

scope="row" | 4

| Elliott Sadler

| style="text-align:center;"| 165 (−20)

scope="row" | 5

| Tony Stewart

| style="text-align:center;"| 160 (−25)

scope="row" | 6

| Dale Earnhardt Jr.

| style="text-align:center;"| 152 (−33)

scope="row" | 7

| Brian Vickers

| style="text-align:center;"| 151 (−34)

scope="row" | 8

| Clint Bowyer

| style="text-align:center;"| 150 (−35)

scope="row" | 9

| Ken Schrader

| style="text-align:center;"| 138 (−47)

scope="row" | 10

| Dale Jarrett

| style="text-align:center;"| 134 (−51)

class="sortbottom"

|colspan="9"|{{center|{{small|Sources:}}}}

{{col-2}}

;Manufacturers' Championship standings

class="wikitable"
scope="col" | {{Tooltip|Pos|Position}}

! scope="col" | Manufacturer

! scope="col" | Points

scope="row" | 1

| Chevrolet

| style="text-align:center;"| 9

scope="row" | 2

| Dodge

| style="text-align:center;"| 6 (−3)

scope="row" | 3

| Ford

| style="text-align:center;"| 4 (−5)

class="sortbottom"

|colspan="9"|{{center|{{small|Source:}}}}

  • Note: Only the top five positions are included for the driver standings.

{{col-end}}

Notes and references

=Notes=

{{Reflist|30em| group=n}}

=References=

{{reflist|30em}}

{{NASCAR next race

| Series = Nextel Cup Series

| Season = 2006

| Previous_race = 2005 Ford 400

| Next_race = 2006 Auto Club 500

}}

{{Daytona 500}}

{{2006 Nextel Cup}}

{{NASCAR on NBC/TNT}}

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Daytona 500

Daytona 500

Category:NASCAR races at Daytona International Speedway

Daytona 500